Chicago Area Handyman Services

FAQ’s

First Hour – $227.50 (Includes travel to your location and starts when our handyman arrives at your location. If your project spans multiple days, the first hour is charged each day. If there are multiple handy people assigned to your project the $227.50 is charged for the first hour for each handyman present.) Hourly Rate – $105 per worker (Begins after the First Hour and is rounded up upon completion to the nearest quarter hour). We have a 1 hour minimum ($227.50) per handyman assigned to your project. We use Google maps, the fastest route, including any stops necessary for your project, to determine the travel time if a discrepancy were to arise. We do not charge for fuel; this is included in our $227.50 first hour charges. In addition, any necessary trips to the store for parts and materials will be billed to you at our standard labor rate with no fuel sur-charges. We cannot guarantee if any or how many trips may occur during a project, we do our best to be prepared and minimize these trips. If subcontractors are used, these rates will vary and will be disclosed prior to commencement of work. Office fees ONLY will waive the 3.6% credit card processing fees to accommodate over the phone payments, permit/registration and bond fees will be assessed the 3.6% cc fees.

In order to save a trip to the store, our handyman will try to use stock from their van. This may include fasteners, screws, nails, tape, caulk, glue, paint, garbage bags, etc. These items will be added to your invoice, without a receipt. These items will be labeled as stock materials and prices are inexpensive and will vary from a couple dollars to more based on usage. We always encourage our customers to buy as much of the project materials as they can, as this is the most cost-effective. However, FVHS is happy to purchase materials for your projects. We charge our labor rates listed above while we shop and we markup these materials 20% before sales tax is added. Sometimes we must purchase more than we need to complete your project, for example full sheets of drywall, lumber, and flooring products that need to be cut to size for your custom projects. If we only use ½ a tube of caulk we cannot return it, and therefore must charge for the full tube. We can return uncut, unused, or unopened items to the store for a refund, with a labor charge ($105/Hour). We cannot return opened box items. In addition, we have no use for the scraps, and must charge you for the entire item purchased, but we can turn over the overstock to you if you wish, or we can dispose of it for you.

Sometimes we may need to use your utilities to assist us complete your projects. This might include electricity, water, or gas. We are a Time and Material service and to keep our rates as low as possible we assume we will be able to use your utilities as required to complete your projects without being charged. Broad FVHS will provide a detailed invoice listing the number of labor hours spent along with material prices for your review. In addition, you will receive a copy of receipts of materials (not truck stock) purchased at the store.

Payments are due at the time of service. Multiple day jobs will be billed each day and must be paid out each day to secure the following days return trip to your home. Completion of a project is defined as all work and materials on hand have been installed and to the customer’s specifications. Back ordered, out of stock, mis-ordered or damaged goods needing to be re-ordered are not cause for non-payment. If any return trips are required, they will be scheduled, contracted, and billed as new jobs. Office fees ONLY will waive the 3.6% credit card processing fees to accommodate over the phone payments, permit/registration and bond fees will be assessed the 3.6% cc fees.

The customer is strongly advised to contact their local village to determine if permitting is required. FVHS does not allocate or bill for time spent investigating individual projects permitting requirements on your behalf, unless directed to do so by home-owner. Every village has individual and unique requirements and FVHS will not be held liable for knowing or advising on these requirements. Our standard labor rates will be billed for all time spent allocating in the office and fulfilling permits and permit requirements on your behalf. FVHS bills for all permit fees at 100% with no markup. Office fees ONLY will waive the 3.6% credit card processing fees to accommodate over the phone payments, permit/registration and bond fees will be assessed the 3.6% cc fees. These fees must be paid in full prior to commencement on the first day of work, during scheduling.

Our handy people may use shoe covers or drop cloths to protect your home while working. In some cases we may use plastic sheeting to cover furniture or use zip walls to construct a barrier for debris created. If needed, we may run an HEPA filtration system during your project. As cleanup and set up are billed at our standard rates, we expedite clean-up to the areas we have been working in. You should expect during a larger demo, cutting or any project creating dust that some air borne dust will travel in the air during the project. While we strive and do a very good job of containing and cleaning. We encourage our customers to verify that cleanup has been done to your satisfaction. You may retain your handy person at your expense while on site to perform a more extensive cleaning at our standard rates.

FVHS Handy Services provides a 1-year labor warranty on all workmanship. All materials are covered by their respective manufacturers. Workmanship is defined at the discretion of the company at the time of claim and does not include damage created from misuse or neglect. FVHS does not warranty water flow or clogs in ANY fixture.

Personal checks, bank/cashier checks and cash are accepted as the preferred form of payment on all projects. FVHS offers home improvement financing, terms will apply. An application with our multiple lenders will provide the terms of individual loans, 0% and promotional financing may carry additional upfront fees. Credit card customers will be charged a 3.6% processing fee. We accept all major credit cards. Office fees ONLY will waive the 3.6% credit card processing fees to accommodate over the phone payments, permit/registration and bond fees will be assessed the 3.6% cc fees.

Our team starts between 8am and 9am depending on driving time and stops for materials. We do not make late starts unless you are a second stop. Please be prepared to have us in your home first thing in the morning on the day your project is scheduled. If needed and in the middle of a project and per our scheduling the following day, our handy people may need to work later to complete your project. If this is the case, we ask you to be accommodating and keep in touch with the workers to get anticipated completion times.

Be prepared that in condominiums everything takes longer. Travel back and forth to our trucks, parking lots and elevators, building maintenance workers and staff, long hallways, generally working in confined spaces takes longer and requires more effort. Condominiums may require additional office time to have projects approved and submit our credentials. We will bill at the standard $105 per hour for all office time and this will be billed prior to commencement of the first day of work, during scheduling. Office fees ONLY will waive the 3.6% credit card processing fees to accommodate over the phone payments, permit/registration and bond fees will be assessed the 3.6% cc fees.